Golf:Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy shot a 3 under par, 69 to increase his lead to two strokes after the second round of the Shanghai Masters at Lake Malaren's Jack Nicklaus-designed Masters course.

After opening with a bogey free 64, McIlroy struggled on the front nine, dropping shots on the fourth hole and a further two strokes on the par four, ninth to fall into a four way tie for the lead. The 22 year old US Open champion recovered with four birdies on the back nine to finish on 11 under.

Noh Seung-yul was second after shooting a nine under the card 63. The 20-year-old South Korea player began the round tied for 18th after an opening 72. Ireland’s Padraig Harrington was in a tie for fifth place on seven under with American Hunter Mahan. One shot ahead in joint third place on eight under is South African Louis Oosthuizen and Anthony Kim (USA).

The 30 players are vying for the richest prize in golf with the winner collecting a cheque for €1.4 million.